Adults and children with physical and mental challenges will be able to participate in Tulsa area endurance races from 5Ks to Marathons, thanks to a national non-profit organization that has just opened a new Chapter in Tulsa, OK.

In December, local runner and triathlete, Jana Rugg, took on the volunteer role of Ambassador for the new Tulsa Chapter of Ainsley's Angels, just in time to kick off the New Year with some exciting race opportunities.

"We are thrilled that we already have the go-ahead from event race directors to participate in races in January, February, March and April," Rugg said.

Ainsley’s Angels is an organization of runners all over the country who make racing possible for those who wouldn’t otherwise be able to participate in races. Angel Runners push the Athlete Riders along the course in special wheelchairs, allowing them to participate in endurance events.

"Ainsley’s Angels is all about inclusion," Rugg continued. "We include children and adults with any developmental diagnoses that would prevent them from running or walking in a race," she said.

In preparation for the new Tulsa Chapter, the existing Chapters in Enid, Oklahoma City and Fort Smith provided chairs for six riders to participate in November’s Route 66 Half Marathon.

"We are in awe of all the support and interest we have already received from the running community here in Tulsa," Rugg said. "Corporate donations have already been received from Case and Associates, Williams Companies, Fitness Protection Program and Tulsa Runner."

These donations have allowed the new Chapter to purchase several racing strollers to get things started here in Tulsa.

Registering to be an Athlete Rider or Angel Runner is free.

For more information, contact Jana Rugg at tulsa@ainsleysangels.org, or register at ainsleysangels.org.  Follow the organization’s FB page facebook.com/AAinOklahoma for event announcement and updates. Corporate and individual donations are also needed and welcomed!